What saith the word?
Our Assurance (1 John 3:19-24)4/26/2016 In the book of 1st John, John discusses that God is light, and that we should follow His commands (I John 1:1-2:6), that we should be aware of false teachers (I John 2:15-29), and he contrasted between the righteous and the wicked (I John 3:1-16). In I John 3:19-24, John wants the Christians to understand that they can have assurance in their faith and their remaining in God, and if they love in deed and truth, they can have that assurance (I John 3:19). John indicates that if our heart does not condemn us, we can have confidence before God (I John 3:21). However, even if we ignore our conscience and sin, or can sin without offending the conscience, God is greater than the feelings in our heart, and He will not miss the deeds that we have done (John 12:48)! Therefore, the goal is to have a heart that does not condemn us, which is a conscience properly trained according to God's will, and living according to His will.
This is the basis of our confidence before God: not that we can earn his favor, but that we stand before Him in “the faith” (Eph 2:8-9) in His Son while we are striving to do His will. John already assumes this regarding the Christians to whom he is writing, and believes they are actively following God's commandments and are seeking to please Him. Therefore, because they are seeking God’s will, whatever they ask, they receive from Him (I John 3:22). John also informs us regarding that commandment: to believe in Jesus His Son and to love one another (I John 3:23). John makes clear that those who keep God's commandments abide in God, and God in him, and that we can have assurance of God's presence in us through the Spirit whom He has given us (I John 3:24; cf. I John 2:2-6, 27). Unfortunately, many may read that "whatever we ask from Him we receive" and then believe that they can ask God for things outside of His will and will then receive it. However, By saying that "whatever we ask we receive," John is indicates that all the things we seek which provide spiritual benefit and are consistent with God's purposes will be given (cf. Matthew 7:7, James 1:5-8). John's reassurance to the Christians is based in God's power and sovereignty, but also in one’s obedience to God. There is no reason for the Christian today to be left in doubt: let us keep God's commandments and abide in Him (1 John 5:3)!
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Faith & Works (James 2)4/26/2016 Many people believe that these two items are as opposite as black and white. This is based on a misunderstanding of how we receive God’s mercy and is in no way contradictory to Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. The answer is seen is Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
A majority of people today believe in “faith only” and reject the necessity of “doing”. James rhetorically asks James 2:14 (KJV) What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? James knew this did not make sense. The answer is clearly NO to the question “Can faith (only) save him? He then goes on to say why a faith lacking obedient works cannot save. James 2:17 (KJV) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. It is impossible to separate God’s commands from our faith. The obedience to these commands is the exhibition of this faith as an active and living relationship with the Father. James clearly shows that the current thought process of “faith” minus “faith in action (works)” is nothing more than a dead faith. Many make the claim that James contradicts the book of Romans, but if it does it also rejects the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. James is emphasizing both faith and obedience to God is necessary. If not, James would also contradict 1 John 1:6 (KJV) If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: Faith only believers claim baptism is a work, but it is a command which has been given to us by Christ himself (Mark 16:16). To separate this act from “faith” based on the false doctrine of “faith only” means “we lie, and do not the truth”. There are many commands given in the New Testament which make us whole in our faith. Subtract any of these commands (works of obedience) and our faith is incomplete. James clearly states this in James 2:22 (KJV) Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? Perfect in the Greek (τελειόω) means “complete”. You can’t be a complete Christian when you separate faith and works. James further explains why. James 2:24 (KJV) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Many today claim to have faith or a “personal relationship” with God, but their faith does not demonstrate this claim. According to “faith only” believers, Paul must also be contradictory in His writing to Titus, but should be sufficient to show this doctrine false. Titus 1:16 (KJV) They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. James shows our faith IS our doing! Is there such thing as an “unknown” prayer language when one talks about speaking in tongues? The King James Version added the word "unknown" several times in 1 Corinthians chapter 14, in an attempt to clarify what was being stated. These additions are marked by the word "unknown" being italicized. The word “unknown” is not in the original Greek, but the translators of the King James Version felt that it would clarify what Paul was saying. Unfortunately, there are groups today which have decided that "unknown" must mean unknown to anyone on earth and therefore have declared that Paul was talking about speaking in the tongue of angels. This far from the truth and is easily seen in the text.
The word "tongue" simply refers to a language. We still use it in this sense today, when we refer to a person's “mother tongue”. The proper definition is clearly seen in Acts 2:6 where the first occurrence of “tongue-speaking” is found. Acts 2:6 KJV “Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language." These visitors in Jerusalem were from at least fifteen regions of the world, but when the apostles spoke each listener heard his own language! This was not an “angelic language”. Paul teaches later in I Corinthians 14 that prophesy is better than speaking in other languages because there are times when the language spoken is unknown to the audience. When this happens, God understands, but no one else benefits (I Corinthians 14:1-5). Yet, in contrast, prophesy was always beneficial. Paul also argues that speaking in tongues is without benefit if it doesn't have a purpose, such as to teach another. Speaking in another language for that reason alone has no purpose. Prayer done in an unknown tongue might benefit the spirit of the one praying, but it doesn't help the praying person if he doesn't understand the language. Notice especially verse 15. 1 Cor. 14:13-15 KJV “Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also”. This is the opposite of what is being advocated by many churches today which claim miraculously speaking in tongues is still occurring today. Besides, prayer in worship should also benefit the listener. Paul tells the Corinthians to speak so that those listening will understand and gain knowledge from hearing (I Corinthians 14:16-19). Finally, Paul points out that speaking in tongues was given to reach unbelievers (I Cor. 14:22). Using a language that the unbeliever doesn't understand defeats the purpose for which the gift was given in the first century. Instead of being impressed, the unbeliever will leave thinking everyone is in the congregation is insane (I Cor. 14:23)! Isn't this what happens in most services today where people claim to speak in tongues? People babble, but no one is edified, including the babbler! The speaker might feel uplifted, but he hasn't learned nor taught a thing. I would much rather with sincerity and understanding, than to force myself to speak in an “unknown” and “pretend” language. Ask yourself logically, which will lead people to the knowledge of Christ today? Paul teaches that the miraculous gifts (which include speaking in tongues) will cease “when that which is perfect is come” (1 Cor. 13:10). Many teach that “perfect” thing is Christ and therefore “tongues” will continue until the judgment. However, the word “perfect” means complete. This “complete” thing is mentioned in James 1:25 and is the “perfect law of liberty” which is our completed New Testament. Therefore, not only is “speaking in tongues” not an angelic language, this ability to miraculously speak another language ceased when the Scriptures were completed. Top 10 Reasons Premillennialism Is False3/31/2016 I mentioned Premillennialism last Sunday in a sermon and thought I should give a summary for you to keep. Premillennialism has many views, but in general is the teaching that God did not accomplish what was prophesied in the Old Testament, and therefore Christ will return for a “do over” where he will establish an earthly kingdom before his final return. All scripture is inspired and does not contradict other scripture, and I have included a few of the many verses which show this man made doctrine is not found in the Bible.
The Importance Of Personal Bible Study3/24/2016 Jesus is recorded in Matthew 4:4 as saying ”But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Each of us as Christians must live according to the Scriptures by which we will be judged (John 12:48), and this requires diligent study. Therefore, let us look at some suggestions which may help us to fulfill the command in Matt. 4:4
1. Make Bible study a priority. Each of us has priorities in life, but for many Bible study is not one of them. Bible study must be moved to the front of the list, and this means scheduling a regular time each day and giving it priority in our life. Some prefer morning and some prefer evening. Whatever your best time is, begin your regular study and make it a priority. 2. Remove Obstacles. This may mean giving up video games or some time from your favorite hobby. It may also mean scheduling a time when the children are asleep or out of the house in order to allow you to spend uninterrupted time in the Scriptures. Shut off phones and ignore Facebook and other distractions. 3. Incorporate self-discipline or accountability. Study the same book, chapter or topic as another Christian who can help you to be accountable, and discuss what you have learned on a regular basis. If you study on your own, keep a calendar or notes to keep you on track. If you have problems with a verse, a study partner may help with your understanding. Be very careful of the sources you use during your study as many are not worth the paper they are printed on. 4. Pray for an understanding and application of the scriptures. Pray for an understanding mind when studying. Allow the word itself to give you an understanding of what you are reading based on context, audience, and the purpose for the passage. The Bible is its own best commentary and will never contradict itself. The Bible is compared to nourishment, and we will be weaker without it (I Peter 2:2). The Bible is the seed of spiritual life. No Bible equals no life (Luke 8:11; James 1:18; I Corinthians 4:15). We can't answer for our hope apart from the word (I Peter 3:15; Acts 17:11). We can't be approved of God without it (II Timothy 2:15). Only the doctrine in the Bible will save those who are obedient to it (I Timothy 4:16). So, ask yourself honestly, have you been studying the Bible as often as you should or are you letting “more important” things deter you from knowing the truth? With springtime upon us, it is a good time to review what the Bible says about pleasing God with our dress. Public immodesty is accelerating the breakdown of morality in our society and is also desensitizing the minds of Christians to accept and behave in a fashion which God has declared to be sinful. The Bible is clear about clothing and how Christians are to be adorned. It is extremely sad that a trip to the local mall allows our young boys (and fathers) to see 20 foot posters in the store windows displaying what they should not see except during marriage. Unfortunately, a heavy emphasis of “sensuality” and “sexuality” has been forced upon as a normal behavior. Let’s look at a few verses that help us to understand modesty, without getting hung up on specific types of clothing.
1 Timothy 2:9-10 (KJV) 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Sinful women are pictured in the Bible wearing extravagant clothing which drew attention to their bodies and revealed their sinful motives. Godly men are warned to avoid such women (Proverbs 5; Revelation 18). Many men and women today go out of their way to dress without any regard to the standard of Biblical modesty. Some, even Christians, ensure that their clothing is extremely form-fitting in order to reveal just enough to draw attention while still giving the appearance that they are “attempting” to remain modest. Christians (both men and women) are commanded to avoid arousing the desires of the flesh (Colossians 3:5, 6; 1 Peter 1:13-15; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 4:1-5; Titus 2:11-14; Romans 13:14). Men and women who dress in such a way as to purposefully draw attention to their bodies and arouse illicit sexual desire in others are sinning. We cannot control what others will wear, and therefore the Christian will often need to guard their eyes (especially men). However, we can control the clothing we choose and our intentions for how we dress. Dressing attractively (which most want to do) does not mean dressing immodestly or seductively. As one person has wisely stated, "If we want men and women to see the image of God in our faces, we will need to keep our bodies clothed in an appropriate manner." The Day Age Theory is a View point held by many who are theistic evolutionists (believe in God and evolution). Theistic evolution is the combination of the belief of evolution and the belief of creationism. However the scriptures do not support this view. Those who hold to the Day Age Theory believe that the days in the creation account were long periods of time, thus allowing evolution to take place. The Bible itself gives evidence that the days in the Genesis creation account were literal 24 hour days. The Hebrew word “Yom” which is translated as “day” is defined in the text itself. Genesis 1:5 declares this was a 24 hour period, and in the literal Hebrew it states “evening was, morning was, day one”. “Yom”, is the day period in regular succession of light and darkness due to the earth rotating on its axis, and has continued ever since the creation account recorded in Genesis.
If the days were long periods of time as claimed by those who hold to the Day Age Theory, how do they explain Genesis 1:14 (KJV) “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:”. If days are actually long periods of times, what are the years in verse 14? This literal day (24 hour period) allowed man to define seasons and years just as we do today on a calendar. If something as simple as defining the word day can not be accomplished, how can one ever hope to interpret or understand the Scriptures at all? Whenever the Hebrew word “yom” is preceded by a numeral, it always without fail refers to a literal 24 hour period. Over 100 times in the Old Testament you will find the word “day” (Yom) preceded by a numeral, and each time it is a literal 24 hour period. In the verses in the Old Testament where the word “day” (Yom) is not preceded by a numeral, it is not a literal 24 hour period. Two examples of the use of the word “day” (Yom) that are not 24 hour periods of time are seen in Gen 2:4 (stands for the six days of creation) and Genesis 4:3 (translated as “process of time”). This can also be seen in Gen 26:8 (a long time) and Psalm 95:8-9 (“Day of temptation” which refers to the wilderness wandering). There were other words in the Hebrew language that Moses could have used through inspiration to describe long periods of time (“Olam” and “Dor” strictly mean long periods of time), if he wanted to teach the Day Age Theory. Next, if these days were long periods of time, how did the plants survive without sunlight. The plants were created on day three, but the sun was not created until day four. Long periods of time without sunlight would have caused the plants to die. The evidence confirms the creation account was Inspired and accurate. The word tribulation was used by Jesus and the apostles more than twenty times in the New Testament to refer to the distress and trials that Christ’s followers must suffer in this life. For example, Acts 14:22 tells us that Paul and Barnabas taught that we should “continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. The words “great tribulation” found in Matthew 24:21 describe a period of unparalleled suffering. “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” Premillennialism incorrectly teaches that the “great tribulation” is a seven-year period in the future that follows the “rapture” of the church and precedes the Lord’s second coming. (There are variations among premillennialists, but these ideas are generally accepted.)
The disciples asked Jesus privately, “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matthew 24:3). Notice they asked about two things: “the sign of thy coming,” and “the end of the world”. These two separate things are the destruction of Jerusalem, and the Lord’s second coming at the end of the world. Chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew give Christ’s description of these two events. Matthew 24:1-35 describes the destruction of Jerusalem that occurred in 70 A.D., while the remainder of the passage describes the Lord’s second coming. The great tribulation, which Premillennialism wants to project to the end of time, is a description of the destruction of Jerusalem. Jesus said, “This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled” (Matthew 24:34). Therefore, within a Biblical generation (thirty to forty years), the events Christ described would come to pass. The destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. fulfilled this prophecy. Daniel had prophesied a coming “abomination that maketh desolate” (Daniel 11:31; 12:11). Jesus stated “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand)” (Matthew 24:15). The abomination of desolation was the desecration and destruction of the temple by the Romans as they destroyed Jerusalem. The fact that this great tribulation was the destruction of Jerusalem, and not a coming period of misery, is demonstrated by Jesus’ instructions to His followers to watch for the signs, and “flee into the mountains” to escape, and saying they should pray that it “be not in the winter,” when the weather would be bad, nor that their flight be “on the Sabbath day” when the city gates would be closed (Matthew 24:16, 20). History shows that Christians understood this warning and were able to escape the destruction of Jerusalem by fleeing. Eusebius the historian reveals that Christ’s prophecies were realized and the believers obeyed the warnings, fled Jerusalem to a town called Pella (and others), and saved themselves. Eusebius wrote: “The whole body, however, of the church at Jerusalem, having been commanded by a divine revelation, given to men of approved piety there before the war, removed from the city, and dwelt at a certain town beyond the Jordan, called Pella.” All who follow Christ will suffer tribulation, but the period of great tribulation has already passed. What Can We Learn From Uzzah?2/26/2016 “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Rom 15:4). There is an interesting story with reference to the Ark of the Covenant which teaches us several lessons about God as well as man. In 2 Sam. 6:1-19 and 1 Chronicles 15:1-15, we learn that for many years, the Ark of the Covenant was moved from place to place. But, when David became King, he decided to bring the ark to Jerusalem. So, David, along with some of the noblest men in Israel, came to the home of Abinadad in Gibeah to retrieve the ark. Now, in order to get the ark to Jerusalem, they placed it on a cart pulled by oxen. Yet, somewhere along the way, the oxen stumbled and one of the men, Uzzah the son of Abinadad, reached out his hand to steady the ark (which no man was allowed to touch) and was struck dead. Clearly, Uzzah though he was doing a good thing in trying to protect this falling ark which was being moved. Uzzah’s death angered David initially, but later he calmed down, thought about things, then came again and successfully brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem according to God’s mandated methods of moving the Ark. Now, there are many lessons to be learned from this account. First, God demands complete obedience. Second, many think that God is not concerned with the details. Yet, 1 Sam. 15:22 tells us to obey is better than sacrifice. In Gen. 6:22 we read that “Noah found grace and did all he was commanded”. Matt. 7:21 teaches that the only ones to enter into the kingdom of heaven are those who do the will of the Father which is in heaven. Third, convenience or preference in a given situation does not trump the word of God. David could not put the ark on the cart. Instead, only the Levite priests were permitted to carry the heavy ark with the aid of poles resting on their shoulders for about 15 miles because that is how God commanded the moving of the Ark. Fourth, feelings do not determine truth. The men were rejoicing and having a great time moving the ark until God’s judgment. A conscience which is not offended in a matter does not mean the activity is authorized. In Acts 23:1 Paul said that he had lived in all good conscious before God even though he was persecuting the church. Fifth, notice the attitude of David. At first, he is angry at God because of the consequence of sin (Prov. 13:15), but later after thought reading about how the Ark was to be moved correctly, he becomes humble and acknowledges his sin (1 Chron. 15:13). From this lesson, we learn much about the character of God. While there is no ark to touch today, there are plenty of commands that we are either obeying or ignoring. How are you treating God’s word? Christians In More Than Name2/15/2016 So many people today call themselves “Christians” simply because they say they believe in the person Jesus who lived on this earth. Not only do many of these people have no idea what being a Christian entails, they do not represent Christianity in a way that would draw others to Christ. Additionally, they often cause others to label Christians as Hypocrites because of their actions. Simply going to church does not make one a Christian anymore than going to the sports arena makes you an athlete.
Being a Christian is more than just going to church, but with that said attendance is necessary (Heb 10:25). As Christians we must be disciples or learners (2 Tim 2:15) and followers of the teachings of Christ (Col 3:17). Unfortunately, many people today who claim to be Christians do not go to church or they worship with groups that teach or worship contrary to the scriptures and are often not devoted to living according to Biblical standards. Many people who are Christians and ought to be drawing others to the church and uplifting others in the congregation, are in actuality pushing non-Christians away while at the same time using words which tear down fellow believers. James describes the danger of the Christians tongue. James 3:6 “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell”. It is amazing how the tongue, which can do so much good in teaching and edifying, can also tear down and destroy another person or congregation of believers. Many Christians deny the faith through their actions or their lack of action, by their words or their lack of words, and through their behavior while attending worship or by not attending worship at all. Paul records how one can determine if they are truly living as a Christian in 2 Cor. 13:5 “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” We should all ask ourselves “are we proving we are Christians?” “Do people know I am a Christian based on my behavior and not solely on the verbal claim of “being a Christian”? Unfortunately, those of us who truly are Christians have to work twice as hard to demonstrate what “true Christianity” is, because there are many “false Christians” or “erring Christians” in the world which are giving us a bad name. I am so thankful for all of you who are “walking the walk”! These are provided for your personal study and growth.Archives
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